European Health and Medical Tourism Association

EU Legislative Interests

Directive 2011/24/EU on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare, including its evaluation and potential revision, particularly in relation to patient access, reimbursement mechanisms, and administrative procedures. Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems, with a focus on planned healthcare abroad and the use of the S2 scheme. Schengen visa policy and the EU Visa Code (Regulation (EC) No 810/2009), including discussions on facilitating access to healthcare services for third-country nationals, with particular attention to the concept of medical travel facilitation for selected low-risk countries. European Health Data Space (EHDS) Regulation, in relation to cross-border exchange of health data, interoperability, and continuity of care for mobile patients. EU4Health Programme and related initiatives supporting healthcare system resilience, cross-border cooperation, and patient pathways within the European Union. Digital Europe Programme and related initiatives concerning digital health infrastructure, patient access platforms, and interoperability across Member States. Policy initiatives related to the integration of healthcare and tourism ecosystems at EU level, including actions under the European Commission’s tourism transition pathway and health ecosystem development.

Communication Activities

EHMTA engages in communication activities with EU institutions and stakeholders through participation in high-level events, policy discussions, and stakeholder meetings focused on cross-border healthcare and patient mobility. The Association has been actively involved in dialogue within the European Parliament, including participation in the European Health Tourism and Investment (HTI) Summit in Brussels, where key challenges and opportunities of the sector were addressed together with policymakers, industry representatives, and institutional stakeholders. In addition, EHMTA conducts bilateral meetings and exchanges with Members of the European Parliament and relevant stakeholders to present industry perspectives and contribute to ongoing policy discussions related to patient mobility, healthcare access, and system coordination across Member States. The Association also organizes and participates in webinars, working sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving its members and partners, aimed at aligning industry practices with EU policy developments. Through its digital platform and communication channels, EHMTA disseminates insights, policy-relevant information, and best practices to support informed dialogue and stakeholder engagement at the European level.

Interests Represented

Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members

Member Of

EHMTA is not currently a member of other associations, federations, or networks. The Association operates as an independent European-level initiative. EHMTA has supported and participated in industry-relevant platforms and events, including sponsorship and institutional participation in the European Health Tourism and Investment (HTI) Summit in Brussels, contributing to stakeholder dialogue involving EU institutions, healthcare providers, and industry representatives.

Organisation Members

EHMTA brings together a network of members and affiliated organizations across healthcare, facilitation, and destination management, including: Barcelona Medical Destination Barcelona Centro Medico Visit Düsseldorf FederTerme / ItalCares MariaCares ZagrebMed Esthetic Planet MESC Medtravel Co. Bayparker Consulting BioMe Clinic Estonia Medical Tourism Association The Association’s membership includes healthcare providers, facilitators, destination organizations, and industry stakeholders active in cross-border healthcare and patient mobility.